Project description
Steady as she blows: Reliable offshore wind gets a breath of fresh air
Wind power can make a significant contribution to Europe's electricity needs as well as to its ambitious goals for CO2 emissions reduction. Offshore winds are often more reliable sources of stronger gusts than onshore winds. However, the cost of energy from offshore wind is higher due to more challenging construction and maintenance conditions and requirements of offshore installations. The EU-funded XROTOR project proposes a completely new wind turbine design concept called the X-Rotor that could drastically reduce capital and operating costs, enhancing attractiveness for investment. A combination of technical, cost, environmental and socio-economic impact modelling will ensure the concept is holistically a winner.
Objective
As the effects of climate change are becoming ever more visible, Europe has raised its target for the amount of energy it
consumes from renewable sources from the previous goal of 27% to 32% by 2030. Offshore wind energy can play a key role
in achieving the EU target and contribute to the required 40% reduction in CO2 emissions. However, to achieve the
previously mentioned targets the cost of offshore wind must be reduced. This proposal provides a direct route to creating a
step change in the cost of energy from offshore wind through the development of a disruptive new offshore wind turbine
concept known as the “X-Rotor”. The X-Rotor has potential to reduce the cost of energy (CapEx and OpEx) from offshore
wind by up to 20%, based on a conservative estimate from early feasibility study work.
To quantify and validate the CapEx and OpEx savings, the project team holds a significant successful track record in
computational modelling in the areas of aerodynamic, structural, control, electrical and cost modelling within the wind energy
sector. Additionally, environmental and socio-economic impact analysis will be carried out to determine the advantages and
disadvantages of the X-Rotor in those areas. GE, a globally leading leader in wind turbine development and manufacturing
will ratify all proof of concept work completed in this project to ensure it is to a standard that can be used in future
commercialisation. Through the completion of the proposed work by our consortium of leading EU research and industry
partners, this proposal will determine the technological, economic, environmental, and social feasibility of the X-Rotor
concept. If the concept proves feasible, it will, as a disruptive new offshore wind turbine concept, create new opportunities for
the European wind energy industry and play an important role maintaining the EU’s position as global technological leader in renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and decarbonising the EU economy.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
G1 1XQ Glasgow
United Kingdom